Knights of Columbus Council 2295 Embodies the Spirit of Holiday Generosity

January 12, 2015 – The Holiday Season is a time when the West Bay community comes together and celebrate a years’ worth of memories, achievements, and most importantly fun! It also illustrates the strength of the community. In recent years, that community has expanded beyond the individuals supported by West Bay, their family, and staff members, to include the Knights of Columbus of Warwick, Council 2295.

Council 2295 and the Warwick Columbus Corporation (WCC), which manages the hall at 475 Sandy Lane, Warwick, has been extremely supportive since West Bay first visited four years ago. As Ray Conroy, member of Council 2295, mentioned, “that was the first and only time they paid rent. After that event, the council decided we wanted to help out West Bay however we could.” Ray went on to explain that many council members were touched to see the joy that the party brought to everyone in attendance. In a subsequent meeting, the WCC decided to increase their support far beyond providing the hall rent-free to host quarterly functions for West Bay.

On December 18, 2014, the council hosted the most attended Holiday party in West Bay history. With over 180 guests, the Council members’ offer to set-up, cook, and clean for the party was no small feat. If that were not enough holiday cheer, the WCC decided to give every individual, as well as their staff members supported by West Bay a holiday gift. As Council Member Ed O’Connell shared, “for us it’s all about bringing joy to the people who are a part of West Bay. All you have to do is look around and see all the smiles on everybody’s faces, and it’s worth it!”

The joy of the event was a shared experience for those who attended. Fred Shaw, an Assistant Manager for West Bay, went on to explain, “The holiday party is one of the best times of the year. We love getting to hang out with each other, and when we do we always have a lot of fun.” The community-building event is sure to remain a West Bay tradition for years to come.

West Bay Residential Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit agency providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1981. West Bay promotes independence and community inclusion through residential, shared living, employment and day services across the state of Rhode Island.

The Knights of Columbus Council 2295 was organized in Warwick, Rhode Island during 1953. After three years of hard work by brother knights who donated their time, money, and prayers for the success of this project, it was announced that the Council Home would be dedicated on Sunday October 7, 1956. Due to the founding leaders’ vision and the good stewardship of the Corporation Officers that have followed over the past 57 years, the members of Council #2295 today are able to enjoy this Council Home. Knights of Columbus Council 2295 donates to local Catholic Schools, the eleven Warwick Parishes, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, CYO, the Warwick PAL Wrestling Association, and other youth programs and charitable organizations.